Vector Space Prob: Show Linear Dependence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of linear dependence in vector spaces, specifically addressing the conditions under which a set of vectors is considered linearly dependent. Participants explore definitions and implications related to linear combinations of vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that a set of vectors is linearly dependent if at least one vector can be expressed as a linear combination of the others.
  • Another participant explains that any vector can be represented as a sum of basis vectors and discusses the definitions of linear dependence and independence.
  • It is mentioned that a linearly independent set of vectors spans a k-dimensional space, while a linearly dependent set spans at most N-1 dimensions.
  • Some participants suggest that the original poster should look up the relevant terms to better understand the concepts involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the understanding of the terms and concepts, as some participants express confusion while others provide definitions and explanations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the original poster's understanding of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of familiarity with the terminology and concepts of linear algebra, which affects the clarity of the discussion. Some definitions and assumptions are not explicitly stated, leading to potential misunderstandings.

Raghav Gupta
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Show that a set of vectors are linearly dependent if and only if anyone of the vectors can be represented as linear combination of the remaining vectors.

I don't know these terms. Vectors I know apart from that other terms. Can someone provide some information in any form for solving this question.
 
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Any vector A can be written as a sum of basis vectors and magnitudes as in ## A = \sum_{i=1}^n a_i \vec e _i##. In common practice, you will see them as ##A = a_x \hat x + a_y \hat y + a_z \hat z## for 3D space.
A linear dependent set of vectors, I only know by the definition you posted. However, a linearly independent set of k vectors can be defined by the fact that they span a k - dimensional space.
A linear combination of vectors ##\{ \vec v_i \} _{i=1}^N## is any combination of coefficients ##x_i, i=1...N##, in the form ## \vec L = \sum_{i=1}^N x_i \vec v _i##.

Linear independence has been defined by there being only one set of x_i 's that can make ##\vec L = 0## and that is for all the x_i's to be zero.

For this problem, you are to show that if a set of vectors is linearly dependent, then at least one of the vectors can be written as a linear combination of the others; and if one of the vectors can be written as a linear combination of the others then set of vectors is linearly dependent.

You will need to know what the question is assuming you know as the definition of linearly dependent vectors.

If a set of N vectors is linearly dependent, then at most it can span N-1 dimensions...you could use this to show that it must be a linear combination of the other vectors.
 
Raghav Gupta said:
Show that a set of vectors are linearly dependent if and only if anyone of the vectors can be represented as linear combination of the remaining vectors.

I don't know these terms. Vectors I know apart from that other terms. Can someone provide some information in any form for solving this question.

Start by looking up the terms.
 
micromass said:
Start by looking up the terms.
Yes. Every linear algebra textbook defines the terms "linearly dependent," "linearly independent," and "linear combination."
 

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